I made myself get up early in the morning to get my morning baguette. Unfortunately the bakery first recommended to me was closed, so I wandered a bit before finding a petit boulangerie and getting my baguette. At the apartment I had some coffee and strawberry preserves to complement my baguette and soon I was on my way. Of course my plan was written down in my notebook, and I knew where I was going….sorta.
Unfortunately my confidence on the Metro got the better of me, and my favorite metro station turned into a maze when I tried to transfer trains at 
walking back, I didn’t see the sign again! Finally I did figure it out, and found the train to Pigalle. This is where things got complex. My lovely DK book turned out to be no help when navigating the streets when exiting the Metro. I started walking in own direction till I finally got a semblance of my bearings. Once on the DK path I started worrying that I had found myself in the heart of the Red Light district. The first street was lined peep shows and some crazy stores, and to me it was a bit shocking. As someone I know would say, my bubble shrunk and quite unnecessarily! Fortunately for my bubble, the was the only such street on the walk. As I turned the corner I was in what I dubbed
But following the revised directions, I found myself going down the wrong street ad the wrong way (Let’s just say I temporarily forgot to check which hand I write with to verify directions). After a bit of 
stumbling about, I found a street on the original set of directions and was back on the path. I was surrounded by little shop with fabrics of all types and colors, and I began to wish that I had a project lined up that required me to sew let alone I began to wish that I knew how to sew! I had some fun ducking into these stores anyway, taking a peak at all the wares. Further down the street, I was surrounded by fabrics of a different type, those of the scarves for sale at cheap souvenir shops. I admit they are quite pretty, but they become repetitive in the end. I walked along the street hoping to find something for the little ones back home but nothing really caught my eye. I walked on and soon saw Sacre Coeur towering above me on its pedestal like hill. Immediately the bracelet sellers swarmed around me like flies to fresh fruit. They were awfully insistent despite my firm “Non, Merci”. I think at one point a spurned vendor began a tirade with a fair amount of swearing in English and French! I take it that it wasn’t a good day for him, too many tourists having done their research. Unfortunately just as many hadn’t and I just wanted to shout out for them to avoid them at all costs.
remembered the scene from Amelie where she had her poor suitor running the very same steps! It had me giggling even as my abused muscles protested! The view from the top was great, but still nothing like Notre Dame! The cloudy day had me missing some of the best parts! After looking my fill, I entered the church. I know it doesn’t come highly recommended, but I couldn’t resist such a holy place. I also know that photos are not allowed inside, but I couldn’t help it and snuck a few in. The domed ceiling and the beautiful ceiling above the main alter were awe-inspiring. Eve though the exterior was unlike any church I had ever seem, the interior magnified all that reminded me of holy places. I stopped to light a candle and say a prayer at an altar devoted to Mary. As I walked out, I was reminded that faith comes in many shapes and sizes. Even though Notre Dame is so famous, I sensed a greater eace and sanctity within the walls of Sacre Coeur.
I chose a different path for the journey down, this time amid a planted pathway. It was a lot more 
peaceful than the packed stairs, though at the end there were still several bracelet sellers. I was then back on the DK path, forging my way past tourists. The walk took me through some residential areas, and I saw some fabulous
Now I may have been tired and my toes may have been starting to whisper, but I could still read. The sign for a jambon & fromage (ham and cheese) crepe read 5,5 Euro. So I was quite pleased to have the correct change and handed it over. The lady gave me a funny look, repeated my order , which I confirmed, and she told me it was 4 Euro. Confused I took my crepe and walked away, even though the ex-cashier in me really wanted to correct her. Oh well…what can you do?
artists were fun to watch, especially one drawing elephant proportioned ears for a little boy’s portrait! I stopped in a few shops and finally succumbed to my temptation to buy a scarf! I found a unique pattern (only one at the store, let’s not mention the other store next door!). I few more interesting places on the walk: the Montmartre Museum Garden & Vineyard, Moulin (windmill) on Rue Lepic. By then my feet felt like they were walking on hot coals so I decided to head over to Park Monceau. I really had wanted a chance to go to this park and I was glad the opportunity showed up.
The park was fun, a lot of children playing games, people enjoying the sun on the lawns. I bought myself a cone and joined the relaxing crowd. I strolled around enjoying the scenery, my favorite part being the Greek colonnade surrounding a pond. It was just simply picture perfect! I noticed DK had a walk for the neighborhood so after my toes were rested I headed
out. The first point of interest was an amazing mansion right by the park. The wrought iron detail and decorated stone were wonderful, and the building itself impressive.
The rest of the walk is simple, with little of particular interest. It was mostly through residential areas where families were strolling. Before I got on the Metro, I noticed a Monoprix and stopped in since I needed some groceries. The store is similar to an American Target, but like most of
